Industrial Action – USS Pension Reform

Find out more

Industrial Action – USS Pension Reform

Issued: Tue, 23 Jan 2018 13:50:00 GMT

Further to last week’s update in MyGlasgow News, we have been notified of the result of the recent ballot for strike action and action short of a strike by the University and College Union (UCU) in response to the potential reform of USS Pension benefits.

The ballot, which closed on Friday 19 January, had a turnout of 57.4% of UCU membership and provided a mandate for strike action and action short of a strike. We have not yet received any formal communication on the detail or nature of the intended action, but media coverage anticipates strike action is likely at some point in February, possibly on 22-23 February.

As a University we have already communicated our position, making it clear that we would like to retain a defined benefits element to the scheme. Further, we would be prepared to support a modest increase in employer contributions. The University will of course, continue to press for an agreed settlement at a national level in the hope that any formal action can be avoided.

The University naturally respects union members’ right to take industrial action but is concerned about the potential negative impact on our students. Staff are therefore kindly asked to give careful consideration before deciding whether or not to participate in any formal action.

We will issue advice and guidance for both line managers and staff as soon as possible. Should industrial action take place, the University will seek to operate as normal and will take all appropriate measures to minimise any detrimental impact on our students.

In the interim, we would remind you that the Joint Negotiating Committee (JNC) meets later today (23 January) to consider proposals put forward on USS reform by Universities UK (UUK – the representative organisation for Universities across the UK) and UCU (the recognised trade union for academic and professional support staff in related grades). We will continue to keep you appraised of further developments in terms of JNC deliberations and any subsequent recommendation to the USS Trustee Board later in January.

Further information on UUK’s perspective can be found via the following link: